Domus

This week was based on research and the first stage of development.

Along with my team members, Natalie and Finchy, we chose Hot/Dry for our climate.

Considerations and Solutions

• Temperature - summer (minimum heat gain, maximum natural cooling) cooling can be achieved by evaporative cooling and cross ventilation.
  - winter ( minimum heat loss, maximum solar heating) heating can be controlled by the use of sun through windows and absorbed into the structure.
  
• Orientation - the main orientation of the house should be north/south with the long axis running east/west. Main living spaces should face north to aid sun control.
  
• Rain - the arid area of Australia receives the the least rain. Rain is usually received when there are extreme conditions either to the north or south. A verandah not only provides sun protection but also protection from the rain and would be a good solution for drying clothes in wet weather, as oppose to a dryer.
  
• Wind - gale force winds are uncommon but occur most often between October and December. The wind also causes dust storms in such a dry climate. Skillion roofs and wind breaks can redirect the wind to protect the building.
  
• Materials - floors should have a concrete slab to stabilise internal temperatures and not be covered by carpet to aid the cooling system.
  - walls need to have a large thermal mass to keep the heat out and the cool in, they also have the opposite effect at night, releasing heat into the cool air to heat the house. Materials such as earth and concrete are good.
  - roof materials should also have large thermal mass and be of light colours to reflect the sun, shiny materials are not recommended.
  
• Sustainability - collecting water through condensation and rain collection, also using grey water to support plant life around the building.
  - collecting power through either solar panels or windmills.
  - using materials with a lower embodied energy and long life span.
  
• Vegetation - spinifex is a low spikey clumping plant which is most common in the arid area and assists in preventing dust storms by providing ground cover.
  - trees such as desert oak, ghost gum and some eucalypts survive well in the desert climate and also provide shade and protection to a building.

Three Designs

Design One:

Design Two:

Design Three:

Feedback would be awesome guys, i am thinking of developing design two further as i think at this point it tackles the considerations best.